Amzi D. Barber to Barber Children, 1865 - 1898

Series 1, which consists of correspondence received or sent by Amzi D. Barber, has been divided into four subseries. The first three consist of correspondence addressed to Amzi D. Barber or the Barber family. Subseries 1. Correspondence Received, is arranged chronologically. Subseries 2. Correspondence Received, Lane Rebels, is organized alphabetically by last name. Subseries 3. Correspondence Received, Other Name Files, is organized alphabetically. It consists of frequent professional or family correspondents. Subseries 4. Correspondence Sent, consists of letters written by Amzi D. Barber. This series includes correspondence written to Nancy Irene Bailey during their friendship or courtship as well as after their marriage. Original order, which held the letters sent by Amzi separate from those sent by Irene, has been maintained. This series includes letters which relate to abolition, the Lane Rebels, and early student perceptions of Oberlin Collegiate Institute (now Oberlin College). It also includes letters that provide evidence related to Amzi Barber’s life in Cincinnati, such as descriptions of his co-teachers and students along with descriptions of his lessons. Amzi’s letters to Irene provide a picture of their early correspondence, including the explanation of a gap in communication. Letters in this series evidence nineteenth-century attitudes towards correspondence and courtship as well as Barber’s thoughts on religion.